AROUND the world, the arrest of South African sprinter Oscar Pistorius on murder charges was hard to believe.

Out in the small Italian town of Gemona, residents were left reeling.

It was on a new track in the northeastern corner of Italy that the double-amputee from South Africa trained last year for his Olympic debut, running lap after lap on his Cheetah Flex-Foot blades in preparation for his trip to the world's biggest sporting event.

Shortly after Pistorius was charged in South Africa with the shooting death of his girlfriend, model Reeva Steenkamp, the mayor of Gemona said it was tough to take.

"The news shocked not only me personally but also the whole of Gemona and the region. It's come as a huge shock to everyone who knew him," Mayor Paolo Urbani told The Associated Press.

"I have to say Oscar was an exceptional testimonial for our project, helping the city take forward its sporting plans. He's a delightful person, not only as a sportsman but also how he is as a human being. The news is still very fragmentary and we're waiting to hear more, to find out exactly what happened."

Pistorius fought for years to be able to compete against able-bodied athletes after many said his carbon-fibre blades gave him an unfair advantage. He finally won his case in 2008, but failed to run the qualifying time for the Beijing Olympics.

He did, however, make South Africa's team for last year's London Olympics, reaching the semifinals in the 400 metres and then running for South Africa's 4x400 relay team in the final.

The International Olympic Committee and International Paralympic Committee each had little to say about the case.

"This is not the moment for the IOC to be commenting on this tragic incident. Our thoughts are with the families affected and we send them our deepest sympathies," the IOC said in a statement.

The IPC said it was "police matter."

"Therefore it would be inappropriate for the IPC to comment on this incident until the official police process has concluded," the IPC said in a statement on its website. "The IPC would like to offer its deepest sympathy and condolences to all families involved in this case."

The South African Olympic committee released a statement saying they had been "inundated" with requests for comment but were not in a position to give out any details of the shooting.

"SASCOC, like the rest of the public, knows no more than what is in the public domain," the group said. "The organisation is in no position to comment on the incident other than to say our deepest sympathy and condolences have been expressed to the families of all concerned."

Pistorius' father, Henke, declined to comment when contacted by the AP, saying only "we all pray for guidance and strength for Oscar and the lady's parents."

Pistorius became an inspiration to many by overcoming his disability to compete at the highest level. Born without fibula bones due to a congenital defect, he had his legs ampuated at 11 months. But he still played sports, including rugby.

"It's incredible for anyone involved with Oscar, especially his family," said former Italian pole vaulter Andrea Giannini, who coached Pistorius from 2009-11.

"I knew Oscar well. I'm hoping it was just a tragic accident. He's a marvellous person, a really sweet and calm guy. It seemed like this was a calm time for him. He seemed really happy and well-balanced."